One of Western Australia’s most successful horse trainers is fighting serious racing charges after investigators allegedly discovered an injectable product containing cobalt salts at her training property following a positive swab from one of her winners.
Prominent Perth trainer Meryl Hayley has pleaded not guilty to two charges brought by Racing WA after the mare Divine Inanna returned a prohibited cobalt reading following her victory at Geraldton on October 12 last year.
The long-running stewards’ inquiry resumed this week, with further evidence heard before the matter was adjourned until August 13.
According to Racing WA, investigators allegedly found Hemoplex, an injectable product containing cobalt salts, during a search of Hayley’s training premises on December 16, 2025.
Cobalt can increase the production of red blood cells, improving the blood’s ability to carry oxygen to muscles during strenuous exercise.
That increased oxygen delivery can enhance a horse’s endurance and recovery, which is why cobalt levels are strictly regulated and excessive concentrations are prohibited under the Australian Rules of Racing.
Racing WA investigators allegedly found Hemoplex at Meryl Hayley’s training property during their cobalt investigation last December
Hayley has pleaded not guilty to charges relating to alleged cobalt rule breaches in racing
Hayley faces one charge alleging she possessed an injectable product containing cobalt salts, contrary to Australian Rule 252A(1).
She also faces a second charge alleging she presented Divine Inanna to race after the mare returned a post-race urine sample containing cobalt at a concentration above the permitted threshold of 100 micrograms per litre following her Geraldton victory.
Racing WA stewards said several witnesses gave evidence when the inquiry resumed on Wednesday.
‘Evidence was heard from several people,’ stewards said.
‘The inquiry has been adjourned, to allow more persons to be called on behalf of Ms Hayley.
‘The case is expected to resume on August 13.’
Hayley, whose licence was temporarily suspended earlier this year before that suspension was lifted pending the outcome of related legal proceedings, has consistently denied the allegations.
The inquiry first opened on January 5 before being adjourned later that month after Hayley entered not guilty pleas and sought additional time for submissions through her representatives.
A number of delays followed before the hearing resumed this week.
Under the Australian Rules of Racing, ‘A licenced person must not possess, or have on their premises, any injectable substance which contains cobalt salts.’
Cobalt is prohibited in racing because of its recognised performance-enhancing effects in horses.
Hayley is among Western Australia’s more experienced trainers, recording 157 wins from 1,600 starters during her career at a strike rate of 9.8 per cent.
Over the past 12 months she has prepared 18 winners from 141 starters, while this season she has also trained 18 winners at a strike rate of 13.5 per cent.
Her stable has enjoyed success this season with horses including city winner Deltason, while Divine Inanna’s Geraldton victory remains central to the ongoing investigation.
Racing WA has indicated stewards may again consider whether Hayley’s licence should be suspended before the inquiry concludes, depending on the outcome of related appeal proceedings and the progress of the case.
